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Chelsea Mentado
More Than I Imagined Seniors reflect on accomplishments and look ahead

Chelsea Mentado

Graduation year: 2017

Major: Graphic design

Minor: Spanish

Activities: Augustana’s EDGE Center, Web Guild, Advertising Developers, Cantelina Choral Ensemble

Internships: Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, EDGE Center, Group O Inc., International Family Therapy Association Conference

Post-grad plans: Pursue a career in graphic design, event planning or creative marketing

Why Augustana?

Augustana was able to provide a great liberal arts education and opportunities to learn and work closely with faculty. It was also close enough to home, which made it convenient for me to commute each day.

Are you where you thought you’d be four years ago?

I definitely had goals in mind, but I would never have guessed the number of opportunities that were presented to me during my time here. I was very fortunate to have met many individuals who were willing to offer career advice and support throughout my academic studies.

Who helped you get to where you are now?

My faith, the support of my family who encouraged me to believe in my true potential, my friends who were always willing to offer advice, my professors for motivating me to be curious about the world, and most importantly, my mentor and advisor Doug Tschopp, for providing the knowledge, resources and opportunities to enhance my professional skills.

A peak experience?

My peak experience was my yearlong internships in the EDGE Center, working as a lead event planner for the 2016 and 2017 International Family Therapy Association conferences in Kona, Hawaii, and Málaga, Spain. I traveled to both locations and coordinated the events on-site. I was able to gain real-world experience working with an event managing team and interacting with family therapists from around the world.

What surprised you?

I can definitely say that studying at Augustana has expanded my view of the world. I realize now that I have grown to appreciate different perspectives while also being comfortable with my own beliefs and opinions. I also feel more empowered to be an activist while using design as a platform to make calls to action and promote change.

How did you use Augie Choice?

I used Augie Choice to fund my two-week study abroad trip to Greece. Opa!

What will you miss the most?

I will miss the many connections I made with my professors and the Augustana community in general, but most of all, I will miss the quirky office environment of the EDGE Center and the lifelong friendships that I built while working on designs, event planning and marketing plans.

Advice for the Class of 2021?

Apply for internships. Join a professional organization. Building your résumé while gaining real-world experience during college is key in developing the skills you need to achieve your career goals.

“I met Chelsea before she started at Augie and knew that she was destined to hang out in EDGE for four years. Her strong personal drive opened up the opportunities that the EDGE Center offers, and she took full advantage. Starting her freshman year, she jumped into ADs (a national marketing strategy competition) and graphic design. By her senior year, she was president of the ADs group and lead event planner for an international conference. She rocks whatever she does!”

– Doug Tschopp, director of Augustana’s Entrepreneurial Center (EDGE)